Finding the perfect digital piano often involves hands-on testing. While online research is valuable, nothing beats visiting a music store to compare instruments side-by-side. If you’re considering a Roland digital piano, knowing what aspects to evaluate and what questions to ask will significantly enhance your shopping experience. This guide focuses on key factors to consider when you Compare Roland Digital Pianos in a store, helping you narrow down your choices to the model that best fits your musical needs.
Before stepping into a store to compare Roland digital pianos, clarity on your needs is paramount.
1. Identify the User and Their Needs – Roland Offers Options for Everyone
Consider who will be primarily playing the piano. Is it for a beginner, a student, an experienced player, or shared use within a family? Thinking about the user will guide you to the appropriate quality and features. For instance, if the piano is for a beginner or a family, a robust and user-friendly Roland model from the RP or FP series might be ideal. These series are known for their balance of quality and affordability. If it’s for a more serious student or performer, exploring the higher-end Roland LX or HP series, or even the RD stage pianos, might be more appropriate. These offer more advanced features, superior sound engines, and enhanced keyboard actions. Remember that investing in better quality, especially with brands like Roland known for their longevity, means enjoying improved tone, touch, and features for years to come, potentially benefiting multiple family members over time.
2. Evaluate the Tone – Does the Roland Piano Inspire You?
When comparing Roland digital pianos, the first and most subjective aspect is tone. What sound resonates with you and inspires you to play? Roland digital pianos are celebrated for their sound quality, often powered by their SuperNATURAL Piano engine. To effectively compare tones across different Roland models, select a few voices you anticipate using frequently – perhaps a grand piano sound, an electric piano, and strings. Use these as your benchmark as you test different Roland pianos. Play the same piece or progression on each piano using these selected voices. Pay attention to the richness, clarity, and overall character of the sound. If headphone practice is important, critically assess the headphone sound as well. Roland’s headphone technology often provides an immersive and detailed sound experience, but it’s still worth verifying across models. Ideally, bring your own headphones for a consistent comparison, but also use store-provided headphones to ensure compatibility and explore different listening experiences.
3. Assess the Sound Projection – How Effective are Roland’s Speakers?
For moments when you’re playing without headphones, the quality of a digital piano’s speaker system is crucial. Roland digital pianos typically feature well-designed amplifier and speaker systems. Entry-level Roland models usually have stereo speakers, while higher-end models often boast multi-speaker systems for a more immersive and room-filling sound. The advantage of more speakers becomes evident when you sit at the piano and experience the sound projection firsthand. When you compare Roland digital pianos, ask the salesperson to play a piece on each model you are considering. Listen attentively to the clarity, depth, and breadth of the sound. Consider how the sound fills the space and whether it maintains its quality across different volume levels. Roland often publishes speaker specifications, but in-store listening is the best way to judge the real-world performance.
4. Examine the Keyboard Touch – Roland’s Renowned Key Actions
Beyond sound, the keyboard action or “touch” is paramount when choosing a digital piano. A responsive and well-weighted action is vital for developing proper piano technique. Roland is particularly known for its keyboard actions, such as the PHA-4 Standard, PHA-4 Concert, and PHA-50, each offering different levels of responsiveness and realism. The “feel” is subjective – similar to preferring light or heavy steering in a car. However, with pianos, the action directly affects your ability to control dynamics and expression. Roland keyboards often feature different key surfaces. Entry-level models might have a smooth plastic finish, while higher-end Roland pianos often incorporate synthetic ivory or ebony keytops. These not only look more authentic but also provide better grip and moisture absorption, enhancing the playing experience. Critically assess the dynamic range of each Roland piano you test. Can you play softly and hear a delicate sound (pianissimo)? Can you play forcefully and produce a bright, powerful sound (fortissimo)? The wider the dynamic range and the easier it is to control the nuances between these extremes, the more expressive the instrument. Test this by repeatedly playing a single note, varying your touch from the softest whisper to a strong strike.
5. Evaluate Ease of Use – Roland’s User-Friendly Design
Modern digital pianos, including Roland’s, are packed with features. However, these are only beneficial if they are easily accessible and intuitive to use. Consider the layout, spacing, and labeling of the controls on different Roland models. Is it straightforward to navigate through voices, rhythms, and settings? Can you quickly access essential functions while playing? Roland generally designs its pianos with user-friendliness in mind, but control layouts can vary between series. Also, think about the placement of frequently used connections. If you regularly switch between headphones and speakers, ensure the headphone jack is conveniently located – easily accessible by sight or feel, and positioned so the cord stays out of your way. Finally, inquire about the warranty. Roland is known for its reliability, and many Roland digital pianos come with substantial warranties, sometimes up to 10 years on parts and labor, offering peace of mind with your investment.
By considering these five key aspects when you compare Roland digital pianos in a store, you will be well-equipped to make an informed decision and select a Roland piano that inspires your musical journey for years to come.
